Baker Mayfield Didn’t Seem Happy Mike Evans Bolted
June 6th, 2026
“Mike, why bro?”
Sort of lost in the mystery of why Mike Evans took a massive paycut to pay a 13.3 percent state income tax rate to play with the 49ers is, “What does Baker Mayfield think of this?”
We now know.
Those two guys were tight, Evans and Mayfield, or at least they were supposed to be. When Evans signed a new deal with the Bucs in 2023, he did so, in part, because he knew Mayfield would be slinging passes his way.
Mayfield was very diplomatic discussing his contract situation yesterday. But when discussing Evans’ departure, he tried to put a good face on the situation but it was obvious it stings Mayfield.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat it — it’s disappointing to not have him back,” said Mayfield, who conveyed his disappointment by sending teammate Chris Godwin a text message with a sad face emoji, ESPN’s Jenna Laine typed. “Just the caliber of player he is — he’s a Hall of Famer — I thought, you know, he deserved to be a Buc for life. Things happen. But luckily, him and I have a great relationship. Still good friends for life. I’ll be cheering him on except when we play them, if it comes down to it.”
Well, it wasn’t like the Bucs didn’t try to keep Evans. Joe was told months ago Evans was offered more than $20 million to stay in 2026.
Instead, Evans took a massive paycut to get out of town.
Something moved Evans to leave, and Joe doesn’t believe it’s California’s second-rate strawberries. The Bucs cling to the generic “family decision” line. They’re tight-lipped about specifics.
Joe is convinced that until the real truth of why Evans turned his back on both the franchise and his close friends is revealed, Joe is sure this move already likely cost the Bucs Trey Hendrickson and who knows what other free agents — guys that were or will be soured on the Bucs because one of the team’s greatest players really, really, really wanted to wash his hands of the team.
(You better believe some agents of prospective 2027 free agents already have counseled their clients, “Be careful with Tampa. Mike Evans threw away a small fortune just to get away.”)
And Joe doesn’t think Evans leaving as simple as “third-and-28,” though that likely could have been a factor.
June 6th, 2026 at 5:38 am
We all know why he left. And we will see a repeat this year. Don’t make me say it.
June 6th, 2026 at 5:44 am
It’s disappointing for everyone. The fans, community, and team. Everyone wanted Evans to finish a Buc. I think Mike himself did to until the 1000 yard record was over. He made a decision to work somewhere else and people do it all the time for various reasons. Got to get used to life without Mike. We knew the day was on the way just thought it would end differently. Drafting EE seems more brilliant now than it did at the moment. Without saying he is a HOF replacement.
June 6th, 2026 at 5:44 am
He left for many more targets and to be the undisputed #1 WR again (especially in targets).
June 6th, 2026 at 5:47 am
Man what a bunch of crap Joe! Go to bed and quit writing these idiot stories. Players aren’t going to stop coming here just cause Evans left it happens all the time. I guess no one is going to Browns cause Garret is gone. Let it go Joe. Give it a rest. The sky is not falling. You need to retire Joe but it won’t be as a hall famer you won’t get enough votes.
June 6th, 2026 at 5:47 am
3rd & 28
June 6th, 2026 at 5:53 am
I remember Zac saying, rather uncomfortably, in a press conference that he “hadn’t spoken with Evans yet”. Mike’s decision had already been made
June 6th, 2026 at 5:53 am
Don’t understand the secrecy surrounding Evans’ leaving. Be a man and tell the truth.
June 6th, 2026 at 6:15 am
There’s no way Baker and Mike have a close relationship and Mike leaves to make less money in a harder division. Mike left because of Baker and Bowles. They’re both inconsistent and since he’s nearing the end of his career he doesn’t want to waste time with losers. Mike didn’t mention Baker at all when leaving, lol. Baker has a habit of running off good WRs.
Mike saw him play for 3 straight years and couldn’t stomach it anymore. You don’t have faith in someone and leave. Bucs fans just have to make it through this season to reach brighter days. New GM, new HC and new young drafted QB.
June 6th, 2026 at 6:16 am
Bowles is a disaster. Plain and simple. Even Stevie Wonder can see that.
June 6th, 2026 at 6:28 am
Trey Hendrickson didn’t come here because mike left? Joe are you serious man? My goodness what’s going on with you ? Lol That makes no sense
June 6th, 2026 at 6:48 am
Mike Evans is gone. He won’t ever be a Buc again. Can we PLEASE move on? He was great, but we can win without him. Enough.
June 6th, 2026 at 7:24 am
Even Zyon said mike’s “doing it for his family” at his most recent PC
The “family” decision thing is like a party line around OBP and not just with the FO peeps
And agree with the very last line here
(Boy do them Dirty Birds love them numbers 28 & 3 tho. If they ain’t giving up and 28-3 lead, they are converting 3rd and 28)
June 6th, 2026 at 7:38 am
Like it or not, there will be a cloud over this organization due to secrecy. I appreciate the Joes working to find out. It will come out in due time. There are only a few “company guys” in the NFL. I remember the days when the roster was the roster with no free agency. Now, you have guys making business decisions not to tackle or give extra effort. It’s a different game. Licht’s .500 record will be the norm in this NFL..parity sucks.
June 6th, 2026 at 7:50 am
Crazy horse
I wouldn’t hold my breath.. Joes been promising some earth shattering scoop on the Winston era for years. Joe has never promised earth-shattering scoop on Jameis. What Joe learned in 2018 can’t be shared. Joe will never get a green light on that. What Joe has promised eventually is a DeSean Jackson story tied to Jameis. Maybe Joe will get the green light on that from the source, or the guy will leave the NFL (highly unlikely). What Joe knows about the Evans departure is far more likely to come off the record this year.–Joe
Crickets.
June 6th, 2026 at 7:54 am
It is the 328. Nothing else matters.
June 6th, 2026 at 7:56 am
Something moved Evans to leave…
Former 49er players’ proximity to Silicon Valley/Big Tech/Private Equity can shape entirely new careers – J Montana, S Young, B Jones, H Barton all leveraged their connections to produce successful new business opportunities that may not be available in Tampa Bay area.
June 6th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Mike is good. He cares for Emeka, Godwin and J-mac. They all knew this was best for Mike to go out and be the true #1 and try to get his numbers. Deal was made long ago when we drafted Emeka and kept Godwin. Let it go. Everyone is good. No smoke, no fire. Will be cheering for Mike.
June 6th, 2026 at 8:16 am
I wish there was another washed up WR who could have taken his place.
It would be great to waste another 15% of our cap for 370 yards.
LOL!
Gone but not forgotten.
June 6th, 2026 at 8:17 am
Mike Evans’ leaving didn’t make anyone happy…..this is not news….let’s move on, please…
June 6th, 2026 at 8:18 am
Obviously the 15% is a bit hyperbolic but you get my point…
June 6th, 2026 at 8:18 am
Mystery????
How can you forget the two extended LOSING STREAKS in
2024 and 2025 and monotone monologue stuck in first gear head coach
Todd Bowels!
June 6th, 2026 at 8:26 am
So some people still cling to the idea this team will draft a QB and develop them. They never have and never will.
June 6th, 2026 at 8:29 am
I agree decision was made early. I remember ME stating how good the reciver room for the Bucs was. I knew then he was planning to go. The Family line , please guys!!!. I mean how phony. The Bucs can’t tell the truth because it would be embrassing for the Organzation. ME has been silent because he is not going to throw salt on the wound and embarass the team and his teamates, whom he appears to care for. He left because he simply no longer believed the Organzation was doing enough to win now. I think he saw the defense in a shambles and probably heard nothing from Licht and Bowles that they were going to get players now to win so he left. I don’t think this had anything to do with Baker or other players per say. It was clearly an inditment of the Organzation.
Lastly you better believe good players are going to ask why ME left. However, Licht, Bowles and the Owners now have a chance to prove ME was wrong by their actions.
Thus far they have moved but somwwhat slowly. The team has many question marks. To many for ME
June 6th, 2026 at 8:30 am
Alanbucs you may have a point. Another thought: If David was loafingas he said he was and was called out by another teammate could it have been Evans? Could it be that the Bucs, wanting LD back if he wanted irked Evans? The thought of tolerating and even welcoming a loafer? What message does that send to the team moving forward? That could have been, among other things, a sore spot with Evans.
June 6th, 2026 at 8:31 am
“Obviously the 15% is a bit hyperbolic but you get my point…“
When it comes to you using numbers in regards to salary cap talk, nobody gets your point
June 6th, 2026 at 8:32 am
Not that LD hasn’t done anything but play superbly for his entire career. I suspect that his “loafing” had to do with the bad knee and maybe disheartened seeing the play of the defense as a whole around him, maybe wore on him.
June 6th, 2026 at 8:38 am
A true “Captain Obvious” headline if I’ve ever seen one!!!!!!!!!
June 6th, 2026 at 8:42 am
Liam Coen… got away
5 years of Jamyth ending with Todd Bowels
The Hall of Fame wide receiver was puking on the front office BUMBLING
June 6th, 2026 at 8:46 am
DBS. They can the Bears was the same way and now look but if you think you can keep bringing in free agent quarterbacks and that’s going to win you a Superbowl then you are wrong. And I get it we won 2 Superbowls like that but times are different now the first Superbowl we had one of the best defenses in the history of the NFL. The problem with that is now days defenses can’t tell they’re offense just score 10 points and we handle the rest because of all the rules has been against the defense. You can’t play defense like that anymore. The second Superbowl they brought Brady in and they added 2 Hall of famers and a pro bowl runningback to go with another Hall of famer and all pro receiver. That never happened again. We have young receivers and runningbacks it’s time to get a young quarterback. I’m not against resigning Baker Mayfield and let the young quarterback sit for a year or 2 until he’s ready. But to resign Baker Mayfield as the future at 32 years old and he’s never been elite in his whole career is crazy. The bucs must draft a quarterback in the first round next year especially if Bowles get fired or he retires what new HC is going to want Baker Mayfield to be they’re quarterback?
June 6th, 2026 at 8:49 am
He left for the same reason why most Bucs fans were mad. Cause of Bowles and his inept coaching and Bowles crap defense.
June 6th, 2026 at 9:02 am
My me mine diva. 3-28 WAAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAAA. It’s a Bucs life
June 6th, 2026 at 9:16 am
Bowles is definitely a factor but I think the Bucs also got on Mike’s bad side by drafting Egbuka and then started setting Evans up like he would be going on a farewll tour with the Bucs. Evans saw that the Bucs were planning to put him out to pasture and he wanted to retire on his own terms and in a place where he would be more appreciated which is San Fran. Mike still believes he has things to accomplish. Bowles not getting axed after the D quit on him was the final straw. Any loyalty he felt toward Licht went out the window when Jason drafted Mike’s replacement. It was time for Mike to go and who knows if there were any promises to him which were broken by Jason and the Glazers but I bet retaining Bowles helped push Mike out tge door. Bowles is unaccountable and threw everyone under the bus to save his own skin. Mike said no mas…
June 6th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Mike said this week that he is very competitive and that he wants to keep racking up 1,000 yards per season.
The Bucs stacked the WR room with Godwin, Egbuka, McMillan, and Johnson. And, they throw to TEs and RBs.
If you are Mike wanting to keep your 1,000 yard seasons rolling along, do you want all of those other targets hanging around?
What if Godwin takes off again like 2024 with all of this extra talent in the WR room?
Baker threw for 4,500 yards, and Mike broke 1,000 yards with only 31 second left in the last game of the season. And, Bowles didn’t sound too excited about putting the ball in the air to give Mike the chance him with an 8 point lead.
You want a a few decent receivers to spread the field enough that you aren’t double teamed every route. But, not so many that they take away targets.
June 6th, 2026 at 9:48 am
ME13 was one of my favorite players. But Father Time was catching up with him. He pulled himself off the field after every reception last year and some of the year prior too. This was a sad case of better to get rid of you a year earlier than the year later situation. He made it easier on the bucs by making the decision for them.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Joe says; (You better believe some agents of prospective 2027 free agents already have counseled their clients, “Be careful with Tampa. Mike Evans threw away a small fortune just to get away.”)
^^^^^
Here’s your sign.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:05 am
It has to be no confidence in Bowles, IF he was close to Baker. He showed disgust on the sideline with Bowles before the famed locker room walk.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:11 am
Sadly, when it comes to business, folks will tell you one thing to your face then speak another language behind your back! That is always a hard pill to swallow.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:14 am
Who cares?
#next
June 6th, 2026 at 10:20 am
Stop acting stupid. He left because Bowles came back.
Yes, 3rd & 28 and 4th & 14. You bring that guy back, and anyone with any self-respect would leave, too.
Evans took a pay-cut, will pay higher taxes and uprooted his family to go across the country to a place with crime and drug use in the streets where kids walk to school, cars get broken into everywhere, and retailers fleeing.
A place where their rookie WR was SHOT BY A PUNK ARMED ROBBER — and Evans turned down $20M to stay.
That says all you need to know about how Mike Evans felt about Bowles.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:22 am
First, Joe you are a hall of famer. Love me Joe Bucs Fan. Think Mike leaving is for a variety of reasons, 1. We have a a lot of good receivers 2. He saw the defense quit last year. 3. Mayfield’s type of play makes him throw to a variety of receivers/backs/TE’s/scrambling for first downs. Mayfield’s lack of height and long throw accuracy effects the amount of throws to Mike. Personally saw Mike pull himself out of many series after a catch for personal reasons when we needed him to stay in irregardless whether he was tired, hurt, or wanted to milk his catch. Wasn’t good.
We need another cover LB and a edge rusher to give us a chance in the playoffs.
Juat my 2 cents.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:24 am
What makes any of that crap true Sal just cause Joe said it you idiot. All these players care about is how many 0’s on the check they don’t care if Mike Evans left.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:27 am
Evans’ last 1,000-yard season came on the last play, when the Bucs, as everyone expected, fed him the ball on a short pass that the Saints, in a nice show of sportsmanship, did nothing special to prevent. Last year, he didn’t come close. I don’t think San Fran brought him in to break any records of Jerry Rice. I believe in the obvious: he is coming to the end of his football career, and he has to provide for his and his family’s future. Financially, he is taking a short-term loss, whose value I think is exaggerated, for long-term gain. As Alanbucs mentions, post-football opportunities are much better in San Fran, and football is a great way to make contacts. I can accept the family explanation in that context, especially if you add career possibilities for his wife in the present and his children in the future. Another, more controversial possibility: The Evans family may prefer the socio-political culture of the City by the (Other) Bay to that of Florida.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:50 am
I agree with Football 1, emergence of EE meant a lot less touches for ME once the 1K yard streak was broken. I think another factor was him looking at Lavonte’s career and thinking how hard national recognition has been in Tampa. He’ll be able to showcase to a national audience often in SF to solidify HoF resume.
June 6th, 2026 at 10:51 am
When you have a QB missing high and low, why would Mike wanna stay?
June 6th, 2026 at 10:56 am
Bowles + rookie OC + bad Oline + too much pressure to feed him the ball + horrid defense + horrid special teams = relocation to San Francisco
June 6th, 2026 at 11:18 am
Capt. Pom Pom here! If i were mayfield ide holdout! Why would I lay my heart soul and body on the line for a bunch of ungrateful spoiled freekn fans your all are worthless! The man spills his guts every sunday,even if it is a team if “loafers” Embarrassing
June 6th, 2026 at 11:20 am
When Bowles was retained, Evans said to himself ‘There’sno chance of this team winning a Superbowl next year. So, I want to go some place that I believe had a chance to win a Superbowl’.
Yes, I’m sure 3 and 28 was a factor, but that was just the cherry on top of Bowles’ ovetall career resume of loserdom.
June 6th, 2026 at 11:21 am
*has a chance